Nikita Pearl Waligwa, a form three student at Gayaza High School passed on over the weekend after brain cancer claimed her life.
She stared in the Disney movie, Queen of Katwe in 2016. It was based on a true story about Phiona Mutesi, a girl from Katwe one of Kampala’s slums that stood against all challenges to become the Ugandan Women’s Champion for 3 years.
Nikita played the role of Gloria, Phiona’s faithful friend that explained the basics of chess and encouraged her when she needed it. The movie was a great inspiration to the young people of the country.
She was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2016, where she underwent surgery. However in the same year she was diagnosed with brain cancer and she was went through radiotherapy treatment. In 2017, she was announced cancer free. However earlier last year she had a relapse and she has been battling with cancer till Saturday 15th February when it claimed her life.
May her soul rest in eternal peace.